1 posts from October 29, 2013

October 29, 2013

Even though they say they're bunkered down and not paying attention to the outside world, it's bound to creep under their skin at some point before kickoff Saturday night.

According to ESPN radio host and Vegas insider RJ Bell, the seventh-ranked Miami Hurricanes (7-0, 3-0 ACC) are the biggest underdog in history when it comes to two undefeated teams meeting this late in the season. Third-ranked FSU opened as a 21-point favorite this week and at last check was favored to beat UM by 22 points.

According to Bell, there have been only two other instances of a double digit favorite when two undefeated Top 10 teams play this late in the season:

> Texas favored by 12 hosting Oklahoma State (Oct. 25, 2008)

> Miami favored by 11 vs. Ohio State (2002 BCS Title Game)

The database goes all the way back to 1980 according to Bell.

Texas beat Oklahoma State 28-24 and you all remember what happened between UM and Ohio State in 2002. If you don't, ask Terry Porter.

Canes running back Duke Johnson was asked Monday if this game was an opportunity for Miami to make a statement to the nation.

"When it comes to that, it's out of our control," Johnson said. "Whether an underdog by how many points, the only thing we can do is go out and play the game the way coaches want us to play it and everything else will take care of itself."

Is UM not getting enough respect?

"It doesn't matter whether someone respects us or not," Johnson said. "We don't care. We're here to play football and do it the way we're being taught to."